Work Text:
Daddy, watch this!
Eyes bright, cheeks flushed, she cartwheels across the Forest clearing, whooping as stars flare from her fingers, releasing a swirling shower of light and wonder into the dusk as she spirals by. She has found her Magic, and her Papa watches on fondly, firewood nestled on his hip, a Spark of Hope for his daughter quietly glowing in his heart.
Don’t look, papa, I can explain.
Hands stained red, tears carve rivers through the dirt on her cheeks. The Bird will not sing again.
Daddy, are you there?
The House has fallen silent; she is lost in confusion. She had drifted to sleep beside the Hearth and woke beside the River. The Knife in her grasp drips, drips, drips – crimson staining the grass at her feet. A Face shimmers in the pool of Blood. Her Father calls her softly, drawing her back to Him.
Father, did you see me?
The Temple thrums with ecstasy: a daughter’s Homecoming, her Destiny unfolding in sacred rhythm. Sceleritas watches, eyes aglow, as trembling hands lift the Heart to the Altar – the first of many gifts offered.
Behold, Father, your Creation.
Teeth stained crimson, her gaze fever-bright, she surveys her Followers with the Pride she has so fiercely earned. The road has been arduous, but She will succeed where all others have failed. She will make her Father proud.
Forgive me, Father.
She cloisters herself away, shrouded in shame, offering penance shaped as whips and cuts. Her Heart has always been a fickle, treacherous thing. The Tyrant catches her eye, and she aches to know what Freedom might taste like.
Are you watching now, Father?
She grins, unrepentant, as He strips away His Divinity. The pain is piercing, but she greets it with open arms. At last, she can breathe as Herself, even if only for a single, stolen Breath.
Halsin, look at this!
The small Bud of new growth unfurls, blossoming under her gentle touch. Her eyes, bright and luminous, coax the Flower forth – its petals a delicate kiss of colour in the land’s lingering shadows. Her mentor stands near, his hand warm at her back as she steps fully into Herself.